Texas and Region

A-J STAFF

Saturday

Jan 29, 2011 at 10:46 PM

AUSTINA report on how Texas could improve the Interstate 35 corridor recommends passenger rail projects to shift travelers from congested roads.The report, released Thursday to the Texas Transportation Commission, says many of the recommendations would involve expanding I-35 or nearby existing highways.The so-called My 35 Plan recommends more managed lanes, plus real-time traffic information systems that alert drivers to delays and provide alternate routes.BEAUMONTA judge in Beaumont has barred a woman from getting more tattoos or plastic surgery until she repays $15,000 to the government.Tamraka McGriff in September pleaded guilty to theft of public money. McGriff, who was sentenced Wednesday, faced up to a year in prison.Investigators say the case involved Social Security funds that McGriff no longer was eligible to get for her disabled son after he was enrolled in a state-funded residential program.The Beaumont Enterprise reports McGriff also must do 240 hours of community service and cannot handle public money in her job as the Beaumont Independent School District's transportation coordinator.ODESSAAuthorities have arrested an 18-year-old West Texas man accused of leading law officers on a chase that resulted in a fatal car crash.The Odessa American reported that Saul Benivides Acosta Jr. was arrested by Ector County Sheriff's deputies earlier this week on charges of theft and evading arrest with a motor vehicle causing death. He was released from the Ector County Detention Center Friday after posting $26,000 bond.Authorities said Benivides Acosta was evading law officers Jan. 1 when Deputy David Escudero joined the chase and his unmarked patrol car was struck by another car.Compiled from wire reports

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